Eric Wilson out at WREX in Rockford

ROCKFORD - Weekday evening news anchor Eric Wilson is no longer employed by WREX, where he worked 19 years.

His departure was effective Wednesday, said John Chadwick, general manager. Chadwick said he could not comment on the reason for Wilson leaving because it is a personnel matter, but he said it is an "important step for us to best serve the people of Rockford."

Wilson did not return a phone call.

Matt Groves will fill in on the anchor desk at 5, 6 and 10 p.m. until a permanent replacement is named, Chadwick said.

Eric Sorensen, chief meteorologist at WREX who plans to leave the station for other opportunities by July after a decade at the station, said Wilson's departure is "incredibly sad. He is a good friend of mine, and I won't get to work with him."